16+ Best Sites To Hire An Executive Assistant For Startups

It's a tough call between handling the everyday chaos of answering emails, managing a calendar, or focusing on strategic business moves. As an entrepreneur, managing your time in a way that none of it gets ignored requires heaps of motivation and mighty powers. Cloning yourself is not an option so the next best thing you can do is hire an executive assistant.

We understand the value an executive assistant for startups brings to the table. But the question of the hour is where to find these superhero sidekicks that will help you nurture your new baby for sprouting growth. 

All we can tell you is not to worry as we’ve got this. We have listed the 17 best sites that offer highly skilled executive assistants for startups. Read on to discover which of these sites houses the extraordinary sidekick perfectly tailored to your startup's needs.

By the end of these power packed 8 minutes, you will be ready with your assistant as an unstoppable force to take on the startup world by storm.

17 Best Platforms Of 2024 To Hire Professional Executive Assistants 

Here are our top 3 sites to hire executive assistants in 2024:

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• Catena - Best overall 
• Belay - Most exacting standards in hiring
• Magic - Unlocking the potential of AI & human expertise

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Get ready to dig deep into the fascinating world of the 17 sites that have earned their rightful place on our list.

1. Catena - Top Pick

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Catena is the absolute best site to hire an executive assistant. We specialize in connecting startups with exceptional Filipino executive assistants. These Filipino professionals are renowned for their outstanding work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to seamlessly navigate through dynamic and fast-paced environments.

Our EAs have superb communication skills and a natural affinity for customer service, making them a perfect fit for startups looking for rapid growth and exceptional support. These professionals possess a unique understanding of the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of entrepreneurial ventures. 

Imagine the relief of finding an executive assistant who effortlessly understands your needs, anticipates your next move, and becomes an invaluable extension of your team. That's the power of Catena – the power to find the top executive assistants who will not only meet but exceed your expectations.

At Catena, we ensure that our executive assistants are not only highly skilled but also continuously upskilled. We firmly believe in the power of learning and development, which is why we provide comprehensive training programs to our executive assistants.

We understand that startups are diverse and inclusive, and therefore, we prioritize cultural compatibility when matching executive assistants with CEOs. Our rigorous screening process takes into account not only the professional qualifications and experience but also the cultural fit.

We at Catena are with you every step of the way, guiding you through the hiring phase to develop tailored responsibilities, projects, and workflows for your executive assistant. It doesn't stop there. We will provide additional training to fine-tune your executive assistant to your exact requirements. 

Whether you're a startup founder looking for reliable support or a small business owner seeking a right-hand professional, Catena checks all the boxes.

Catena Pricing Plans

At Catena, we offer flexible pricing options that cater to your preferred payment structure.

2. Belay - Most Exacting Standards In Hiring

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Founded in 2010, Belay It has been featured in the Inc. 500 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US. With an extensive network of over 1,200 skilled executive assistants spread across 48 states, they have the perfect match for your executive assistant job.

Belay has a swift and efficient process to connect you with your ideal executive assistant. Within just one week, you'll be paired with a qualified professional who can seamlessly integrate into your workflow.

Belay is known for its rigorous recruiting process. Their selection criteria are so stringent that their acceptance rate for executive assistants is even lower than that of Harvard University. They also provide regular training to their executive assistants, keeping them up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. 

Belay provides a dedicated Client Success Consultant who will work closely with you to understand your needs, offer guidance, and address any concerns along the way. 

Belay Pricing Plans

Belay offers affordable packages that start at a monthly rate of $1,380 for 30 hours. If you need a customized plan, you can contact Belay to get a detailed quote.

3. Magic - Unlocking The Potential Of AI & Human Expertise

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Magic has been around since 2015 and they've become the go-to option for startups looking for executive assistants. They've managed to get noticed by big-time publications like the New York Times, Fortune, TechCrunch, and Wired, which says a lot about their reputation in the industry.

Magic takes their hiring seriously. They're super selective, choosing only the top 3% of executive assistant talent. Their hiring process is speedy too. Need a team of executive assistants? They can have them ready for you in under a week.

Magic has an incredible blend of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and real human expertise. The secret behind it is their very own Magic AI, a proprietary technology specifically designed to supercharge their executive assistants' capabilities. It lets them tackle tasks with precision and speed.

Magic can integrate with all popular productivity tools. So no matter which platform you prefer, you can manage all your tasks in one place, super easily. With this integration, you can stay organized and on top of things whether you're working on Trello boards, handling tasks in Asana, chatting away on Slack, or rocking it with Zoho.

Magic Pricing Plans

Tailor-made pricing plans are available on demand.

4. Fancy Hands - Most Budget-Friendly

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Since its inception in 2010, Fancy Hands has served over 1,000 satisfied customers. To ensure that you receive nothing but the best, Fancy Hands rigorously vets their candidates, allowing only the top 3% of applicants to pass through their stringent evaluation.

At Fancy Hands, they exclusively hire executive administrative assistants with a minimum of 10 years of experience. 

Within a mere 48 to 72 hours, Fancy Hands can connect you with your executive assistant. Their streamlined process ensures that you can start delegating responsibilities and enjoy the benefits of having a dedicated assistant in no time. They also implemented enterprise-level security measures to safeguard your data.

Fancy Hands provides an intuitive app that puts the power of executive assistance right at your fingertips. Seamlessly manage your tasks, communicate with your assistant, and stay organized with the convenience of a user-friendly application.

Fancy Hands Pricing Plans

• Small Plan ($17.99/month): Offers 3 requests.
• Medium Plan ($29.99/month): Offers 5 requests.
• Large Plan ($74.99/month): Offers 15 requests.
• XL Plan ($149.99/month): Offers 30 requests.

5. Persona - Exclusive Executive Assistants For Every Client

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If you're in the market for hiring executive assistants, Persona is a great option. With their stringent hiring criteria, they take it to a whole new level. They have an 8-step hiring process that filters out all but the best. It's so competitive that only one extraordinary individual manages to clear it out of every thousand applicants. 

Thanks to their efficient systems and intelligent hiring processes, their resources come at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional alternatives—more than 50% cheaper, to be precise. They'll match you with your ideal candidate in a flash, within 48 hours or even less.

When you work with them, you get their executive assistant’s undivided attention. No juggling multiple clients and that means they can give a full 100% of their energy to help your business flourish.

Persona Pricing Plans

Contact their support team for customized plans.

6. Zirtual - Most Diverse

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Zirtual has been in the business since 2011. Their executive assistants are handpicked professionals based in the US. They only hire college graduates who can solve problems with a systematic approach. In fact, only 2% of applicants make it to the coveted interview round.

Zirtual conducts thorough background checks and reference verifications on all their executive assistants. This guarantees that their team members possess not only the necessary qualifications but also impeccable character and integrity.

Zirtual's executive assistants have a track record of success in various sectors, ranging from finance and technology to healthcare and marketing. This has enabled them to understand the intricacies of different industries and adapt swiftly to new environments. 

Zirtual Pricing Plans

• Entrepreneur Plan ($549/month): For a single user. 12 hours/month.
• Startup Plan ($849/month): For 2 users. 24 hours/month.
• Small Business Plan ($1249/month): For 3 users. 36 hours/month.
• Team Plan ($1699/month): For 5 users. 50 hours/month.

7. Time etc - Masters Of Multitasking

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Since 2007, Time etc has been providing US-based executive assistants to startups and corporations. Their assistants understand the intricacies of the American business landscape to ensure seamless collaboration.

Every assistant on the Time etc team has a minimum of 12 years of experience which ensures that they fit in the executive assistant role easily. These seasoned professionals have assisted top-level executives which has enabled them to tackle a range of tasks.

To ensure quality and competence, Time etc has devised a rigorous 10-stage recruitment process. You can also share your executive administrative assistant with your team. Their executive assistants are renowned for their excellent communication skills, acting as a liaison between you, your team, and external stakeholders.

From managing your hectic schedule to organizing travel arrangements, from handling email correspondence to conducting research, Time etc's executive assistants can do it all. 

Time etc Pricing Plan

• Plan A ($360/month): 10 hours/month.
• Plan B ($700/month): 20 hours/month. 
• Plan C ($1,360/month): 40 hours/month.
• Plan D ($1,980/month): 60 hours/month.

8. Oceans - Lowest Churn Rate

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Oceans was launched in 2021 but has made a name for itself in this short period. Their team of executive assistants from Sri Lanka is a powerhouse of skills and knowledge. Not only are they highly educated but they also come at a price that won't make your wallet cry. You'll save 80% compared to hiring an executive assistant in the US.

Oceans has a detailed intake process that really dives into understanding your business needs. They want to know why you're on the search for an executive assistant position so they can connect you with the absolute best match for your company. 

With a churn rate of less than 5%, you can count on their EAs to stick around and be the reliable resource your startup needs. No more constant turnover or having to retrain someone new every few months – they are in it for the long haul.

Oceans Pricing Plans

Custom plans are available on demand.

9. Upwork - Largest Pool Of Executive Assistant

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Upwork has come a long way since its inception as Elance-oDesk in 2013, and in 2015, it underwent a transformation that brought about its birth. Today, it has become a powerhouse with 1 million active clients and an impressive 70 million freelancers. 

With this vast pool, you can rest assured that when you post an executive assistant job on Upwork, you'll find individuals who possess the necessary expertise to handle the demands of executive-level support.

Upwork's platform provides powerful tools and features that allow you to streamline the hiring process. It has a user-friendly interface and you can navigate effortlessly through profiles, portfolios, and client reviews. You can thoroughly assess each candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and feedback from other clients, ensuring that you make an informed decision when selecting your executive assistant.

Another incredible aspect of Upwork is its emphasis on flexibility. You can choose from a wide range of executive assistant jobs, whether you require someone on a part-time, full-time, or even project-based basis.

Upwork Pricing Plans

Upwork charges a flat fee of 10% from customers on all payments. 

10. Athena - Broadest Range Of Clients

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Athena started in 2018 and they've already built up a clientele of more than 1,000 startups. Their client list has thought leaders from the White House, venture capitalists, angel investors, best-selling authors, and A-list podcasters.

Athena provides you with dedicated executive assistants who can tackle all those overwhelming tasks. The company has a strict hiring process – they handpick candidates with all sorts of skills and experiences to make sure you get the perfect match.

Their executive assistants go through some serious training to sharpen their skills and become real pros. From handling administrative tasks to understanding all the ins and outs of different industries, they're ready to take on anything. 

They can arrange meetings, book travel, dive into research for your big projects – you name it. If you have personal tasks like organizing events or setting up appointments, they're on it too

Athena Pricing Plans

Athena charges $3,000/month for 40+ hours a week (170+ hours per month).

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11. Prialto - Prioritizing Data Security

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Prialto has been providing executive assistant services since 2009 and has delivered over 1 million hours of service.

What sets Prialto apart is its can-do culture. Their team of executive assistants goes above and beyond the typical executive assistant job description. They are more than just support staff; they act as trusted consultants who understand your goals and work tirelessly to help you achieve them.

At Prialto, tasks are not simply delegated to a single assistant. Instead, they are distributed among a team of highly skilled professionals. This approach ensures that you benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise of a group of dedicated individuals who are all focused on your success.

Prialto's advanced dashboard gives you complete visibility and control over your executive assistant's activities. Whether you want them to schedule meetings, reply to emails, or handle other administrative tasks, you have the power to stay organized and focused.

Prialto Pricing Plans

• Yourself ($1,350/month): For 1 user. 55 hours/month.
• Your Team ($4,050/month): For 3+ users. 165+ hours/month.
• Your Organization (Custom Pricing): For 8+ users. 440+ hours/month.

12. Toptal - Trusted By Global Brands

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Established in 2010, Toptal has emerged as one of the best sites for sourcing top-notch talent for startups. With freelancers hailing from 140 countries, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Toptal has a strict 5-step hiring process in which they meticulously vet each candidate to ensure you're getting the best. As part of this process, freelancers are required to complete a challenging test project. As a result, only 3% of freelancers make it through Toptal's stringent screening process.

Toptal has a quick turnaround time and you can have one by your side in less than 48 hours. Their trial-to-hire success ratio stands at an impressive 98%. Nearly every trial engagement converts into a long-term partnership. 

When it comes to an executive assistant job description, Toptal knows precisely what you need. They understand the importance of a professional who can expertly juggle multiple tasks and coordinate seamlessly. Their executive assistants possess great time management skills that will keep your operations running without any hindrance.

Pricing Plans

Toptal offers flexible pricing that is customized to meet your specific needs and the size of your project.

13. Squared Away - Unique Pool Of Military Spouse Executive Assistants

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Squared Away’s team of executive assistants is made up of military spouses. This makes them reliable and dedicated since they know a thing or two about managing chaos and getting things done. Their EAs will not only provide support to you but they will assist your entire team. All of these EAs are based in the US.

Squared Away offers a variety of executive assistants with different experiences and they've smartly categorized them into 3 tiers. This way, you get to pick the perfect EA that suits your startup's needs. They’ll find you an executive assistant in less than a week.

Square Away’s EAs don't just wait around for instructions. They're proactive go-getters who can anticipate your needs before you even think of them. They are experts in all things startup-related. Whether you need help with funding round systems and checklists, M&A transactions, or due diligence, they’ll cover them all.

Squared Away Pricing Plans

Squared Away offers different pricing plans for all 3 tiers ranging from $200 to $4,500 per month. Contact them for more details. 

14. Boldly - Most Experienced Executive Assistants

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Boldly was established in 2012 and has quickly earned its reputation as one of the best sites to hire an executive assistant. Their EAs have worked for industry giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

Boldly’s team of executive assistants is handpicked based on a stringent selection process. These assistants are tested rigorously for various skills and attributes, like problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and written communication skills. In fact, only 1% of applicants make it onto the Boldly team. 

With their extensive experience and expertise, their executive assistants have a minimum of 10-15 years under their belt. If your startup’s needs go beyond the traditional role of an executive assistant, they provide specialized assistants who excel in areas such as project management, marketing, or even social media management.

Boldly Pricing Plans

• Plan A ($2,200/month): 40 hours/month.
• Plan B ($2,750/month): 50 hours/month. 
• Plan C ($3,300/month): 60 hours/month.
• Plan D ($4,400/month): 80 hours/month.
• Plan E (Custom Pricing): 160 hours/month.

15. Fiverr - Most Effective & Hassle-Free

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Fiverr burst onto the scene in 2010. Fast forward to today, Fiverr has grown into a global marketplace that has revolutionized the way people connect and collaborate.

One of the standout features is the straightforward job posting process. Fiverr's user-friendly interface allows you to create a detailed job description with ease. Simply outline your requirements, including desired qualifications, experience level, and specific tasks you need assistance with.

Fiverr's rating and review system offers invaluable insights into the performance and reliability of each executive assistant. Previous clients can share their experiences and rate the services they received. This transparent feedback system allows you to make informed decisions based on the experiences of others.

One of the best things about Fiverr is its affordability factor, especially for startups or small business owners. This allows you to access top talent without breaking the bank and allocate resources where they matter most for your growing venture.

Fiverr Pricing Plans

The executive assistant rates on Fiverr depend on the candidate's experience and your requirements.

16. Hubstaff Talent - Most Advanced Monitoring & Quality Control

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Hubstaff Talent is one of the largest job boards launched in 2016 and has been connecting businesses with top talent from 213 countries. Whether you're looking for a virtual assistant to streamline your operations or an on-site executive assistant to keep things running smoothly, you'll find a plethora of talent waiting for you on Hubstaff Talent.

Hubstaff Talent is the only job board that is completely free. This is music to the ears of startups and small businesses, which often operate on tight budgets. No longer do you need to compromise on quality or settle for less just because of financial constraints.

Hubstaff Talent provides its own in-house time tracking and monitoring tool. This allows you to effortlessly manage your executive assistant's time and productivity, ensuring that you're getting the most out of your investment. It offers an advanced search functionality that simplifies the process. With just a few clicks, you can narrow down your search based on specific criteria such as location, skills, experience, and more.

Hubstaff Talent Pricing Plans

Free to use. 

17. OnlineJobs.ph - Most Streamlined Approach

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OnlineJobs.ph started back in 2006 and specializes in connecting you with Filipino executive assistants. Renowned for their strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and unparalleled dedication, Filipino executive assistants earned a well-deserved reputation for being some of the best in the business.

This platform has over 2 million profiles and each month, 45,000 new candidates join the platform, ensuring a constant influx of fresh talent. Heavyweight companies like Uber, Speedo, and Canva have already harnessed the power of OnlineJobs.ph.

The advanced algorithms of OnlineJobs.ph act as your personal matchmaker, pairing you with executive assistants who possess the precise skills, experience, and personality traits you're looking for.

However, this approach does require you to put in extra time and effort in the vetting process because you have to handle it all on your own. Unlike those other platforms that already have a backend vetting system, which definitely makes things easier and quicker.

OnlineJobs.ph Pricing Plans

• Free: 3 jobs/month.Maximum 15 applications/job.
• Pro ($69/month): 3 jobs/month. Maximum 200 applications/job.
• Premium ($99/month): 10 jobs/month. Maximum 200 applications/job.

Conclusion

It’s time you navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and create a legendary partnership that will stand the test of time. It’s time you hire an executive assistant for your startup.

If you think that finding the right executive assistant is all about ticking the qualification and skills off the checklist, then you need to step into the real world. It is more about finding that perfect blend of superpowers that align with your startup's unique vision and culture, which is a time and effort-consuming journey. Yes, we would call that a journey. 

At Catena, we offer the best executive assistants for ambitious startups. It all starts with valuing your hiring needs and ends with guaranteed success. Our recruiting process can save you hundreds of man hours. Join the ranks of 100+ CEOs who have found their perfect match through our platform and book a consultation with us and experience it yourself.

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